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Pavel Durov's detention

Telegram co-founder Durov leaves France for Dubai with judges’ permission — AFP

A source told AFP that Durov had been authorized to leave France "for several weeks"

PARIS, March 15. /TASS/. Pavel Durov, a co-founder of the Telegram messaging app, has left France for Dubai, AFP reported.

The businessman had authorization from judges to depart France where he was charged with a number of crimes, the news agency specified.

A source told AFP that Durov had been authorized to leave France "for several weeks." Another source said a flight carrying Durov had departed from Le Bourget airport on Saturday morning.

Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport on August 24, 2024. Four days later, his preliminary custody was over. The entrepreneur was delivered to a court, where the prosecutor charged Durov with several offenses, which include complicity in the administration of an online platform that enabled illegal transactions, committed within a criminal group. The offense, according to a statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office, is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 euros. By decision of an investigating judge, the entrepreneur went under judicial supervision with an obligation to post bail of 5 mln euros. He also has to report twice a week to the police and was forbidden to leave France.

Middle East conflict

Israeli army intercepts rocket fired from Yemen — press service

IDF said that the missile was intercepted prior to crossing into Israeli territory

Funeral ceremony begins in St. Peter’s Square to pay last respects to Pope Francis

The funeral of the first Latin American pope is being attended by over 160 delegations, including more than 60 heads of state and governments and also leaders of the European Union, according to the data of the Holy See’s press office

Death toll in blast in Iranian port climbs

"The number of fatalities in the blast has climbed to five," Mehrdad Hasanzadeh, a local disaster management official, said

Sending peacekeepers to historical Russian lands may lead to WWIII, Shoigu warns

According to Sergey Shoigu, rather, the notion of `peacekeepers’ conceals the pursuit of control over Ukraine and its mineral resources

Russia’s Battlegroup North eliminates over 60 troops in Belgorod area

Yaroslav Yakimkin said that in the Belgorod area, units of Battlegroup North inflicted damage on groups of two mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian army near settlements of Yablonovka, Yunakovka, and Petrushevka of the Sumy region

Trump comments on killing of senior Russian army officer

Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy chief of the Main Operations Directorate of the Russian General Staff and the Russian Defense Ministry’s negotiator, was killed in a car explosion on Friday morning

Hamas says Israel shells hostage site in Gaza

No information was given as to how many hostages were in the area hit by the shelling

Kiev tries to hold Chasov Yar for its reputation in Ukraine talks — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian command wil try to hold it "for the next two to three weeks"

US special flight from Moscow arrives in Oman — airport

The aircraft en route from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on the morning of April 25

Kursk Region liberation strengthens Russia's position on negotiation track — expert

Igor Korotchenko noted that this is also a moral incentive for the Russian units that are liberating the settlements of Donbass and Novorossiya

Putin-Witkoff talks see progress made — Putin’s envoy

The meeting between the Russian president and the US special envoy lasted three hours

Former US official doubts that Zelensky will take chance for peace in Ukraine

Colin Powell said that Vladimir Zelensky should "call elections for a date certain in the not too distant future, and become the savior of what remains of an independent and neutral country in the heart of a new Europe ready to build with Russia a new security architecture for Eurasia"

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

Ukraine submits peace terms to US, ready to trade land for security guarantees — newspaper

According to the report, the Ukrainian plan consists of five points, the first of which concerns renouncing its claims to Crimea and the regions that became part of Russia after the start of the special military operation

Number of foreign mercenaries fighting in Ukrainian ranks decreases — commander

According to Apty Alaudinov, the Ukrainian military is suffering huge losses

Russia invites 19 countries to Victory Day parade on Red Square — minister

According to Andrey Belousov, solemn events involving military personnel will be held in 370 settlements

Russian forces have come close to Doroshovka in Kharkov region — expert

The expert added that the Russian army is also fighting seriously near neighboring settlement of Zapadny

Kiev says received no US warnings of withdrawal from peace process

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Paris that US President Donald Trump may abandon efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine if no progress is made soon

Lavrov hears 'whispers' from French about mending ties

The Russian foreign minister criticized what he described as a "false and crude primitive explanation" of the Ukraine conflict being promoted in French society

Three Russian sailors injured in US strikes on Yemen's Ras Isa port — Houthis

Russian citizens were hospitalized

Trump administration lays out roadmap to streamline tariff talks with 18 countries — WSJ

US officials expects agreements on reciprocal tariffs to be reached by July 8

Russia delivers batch of wheat to Syria first time under new power — source

The Pola Marina vessel supplied 6,600 tons of wheat to the Syrian port of Latakia on Sunday, April 20

Putin to decide makeup of delegation to be sent to Pope’s funeral — Lavrov

"This is a decision for the president, and I am sure that you will be informed about it very soon," the Russian foreign minister said

US, Iran clash over uranium enrichment, missile program at talks — newspaper

The Wall Street Journal calls this issue 'the main sticking point in the current talks'

Macron only wastes his breath by declaring Kiev's readiness for full ceasefire — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik noted that Vladimir Zelensky failed in the two previous ceasefires

Trump says Witkoff had good meeting

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said earlier that President Vladimir Putin had received Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin

Ukrainian army’s rout in Kursk Region brings defeat of neo-Nazi regime closer — Putin

The Kiev regime’s venture has failed completely and the enemy has suffered huge losses, the Russian President said

Trump's first 100 days as president meet expectations of most US citizens

According to Associated Press, this does not mean that the majority of Americans are satisfied with the policies of the current US leader

Russian foreign intelligence chief says that Moldovan leader is indeed 'playing with fire'

Sergey Naryshkin commented on the situation with Gagauzia's head Evghenia Gutsul and other politicians

Large-scale glitch hits Ukraine’s banking system — media

Users across Ukraine are complaining that they cannot pay with bank cards in stores, on transport and in the taxi service

Europe, Ukraine push back against some US peace settlement terms — Reuters

According to the agency, primary disagreements between the US’ suggestions on the one hand and Europe and Ukraine’s proposals on the other, "are over the sequencing for resolving questions over territory, the lifting of sanctions on Russia, security guarantees and the size of Ukraine's military"

Trump to meet with Meloni, Starmer, Zelensky in Rome — media

Trump’s stay in the Italian capital is limited by 15 hours

Houthis report drone strike on Ashkelon, Tel Aviv

"Yemen’s unmanned system forces have carried out two military operations using drones," the movement’s military spokesman Yahya Saree said

Russia scales up domestic production in response to reduced trade with Europe — IMF

The Russian economy is expected to see "a quite sharp slowdown this year from last year's growth," Director of the European Department at the International Monetary Fund Alfred Kammer said

Kiev detains 52 Kursk Region residents in violation of international norms — ombudswoman

Tatyana Moskalkova said that they were forcibly relocated by Ukrainian troops

New Russia-US arms race already in progress — Academy of Sciences

Fyodor Voytolovsky, Director of the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, emphasized that Russia remains either the second or an equal first in terms of nuclear capabilities

Kiev attacks LPR due to advance of Russian troops in Svatovo-Kremennaya area — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, "it is the settlements on the front line that are being hit"

Israeli army intercepts rocket fired from Yemen — press service

IDF said that the missile was intercepted prior to crossing into Israeli territory

Russia being polite, never discusses details of talks in public as Zelensky does — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, Moscow is making and considering serious proposals on settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

Press review: Europe, Ukraine undermine US peace plan and Washington seeks return to Libya

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 24th

Russia ready for talks with Kiev without any preconditions, Putin says

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that earlier, "Putin repeatedly stated this"

Flight from US that arrived in Moscow on Friday morning leaves Russian airspace

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin received US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin

Britain may resort to provocations against Russia in any country — intel chief

Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin said earlier in an interview with TASS that the latest publications in Western newspapers indicated that Great Britain was conducting undeclared hostile actions against Russia

Ukrainian command declares troops missing immediately after deployment — sources

The most widespread problem that relatives of Ukrainian servicemen talk about is the inhuman treatment of subordinates and their relatives

US negotiating with Iran at highest levels, Tehran wants to make deal — Trump

According to the US president, he is 'much rather have a deal than the other alternative that would be good for humanity'

Ukraine masses up troops, vehicles in village close to Russia’s Belgorod Region — official

According to Yevgeny Lisnyak, Ukraine is also busy assembling various military equipment

Kremlin spokesman describes US envoy Witkoff’s visit to Russia as shuttle diplomacy

According to Dmitry Peskov, "it is about mediation efforts that the United States is making"

Special flight from US arrives at Vnukovo Airport

There are no regular flights between the two countries

Ukrainian troops fleeing positions near Bogatyr in Donetsk region — defense source

Battles have begun at approaches to that community, the defense source added

EU boost Russian pipe gas, LNG purchases by 40% in 2M 2025

EU member-countries paid 832 mln euro for Russian LNG in February 2025

Ukraine loses up to 305 troops in responsibility area of Battlegroup South in 24 hours

The enemy also lost eight armored combat vehicles, including HMMWV, nine cars, six field branch artillery weapons, including three Western-produced, with two electronic warfare stations and six ammunition depots destroyed, Tretyakov added

Russia needs to develop domestic production of rare earth metals — top security official

Sergey Shoigu underscored the importance of creating backup production facilities, given the threats that emerged during the special military operation

FSB detains suspect in murder of Russian general Moskalik

Agent of Ukrainian special services Ignat Kuzin born in 1983 with a Ukrainian residence permit was detained

Drone attack repelled in Russia's Rostov Region — interim governor

According to Yury Slyusar, no one was hurt

Ukraine loses over 76,500 troops during incursion in Kursk area

Overall, during military actions in the Kursk area, the Ukrainian armed forces have also lost 412 tanks, 341 infantry fighting vehicles, 64 multiple launch rocket systems, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Kiev’s forces left without logistics in Gornal in Kursk Region — Akhmat commander

The Ukrainian military is close to relinquishing its positions in Gornal, the Akhmat commander said

Syrians from Latakia, Tartus take shelter from violence at Russian base — Moscow’s envoy

According to Vasily Nebenzya, Russia urges the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs "to pay special attention to the humanitarian situation in these regions"

Russian defense chief inspects Battlegroup Kursk — Defense Ministry

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has lost over 75,000 troops and more than 400 tanks since fighting began in the Kursk Region

Rocket fuel component could be reason for Iran explosion — newspaper

However, the source did not specify what might have caused the substance to explode

High-ranking Russian Orthodox church delegation expected to attend Pope’s funeral — church

The Vatican said the pope died earlier on Monday

Leader of Georgia’s ruling party Garibashvili says quits politics

According to the former Georgian Prime Minister, he fulfilled his role by holding various positions in the government and the party and sees no need to stay in the party and in politics in general

Russia unlikely to shun current partners in East, West if ties with US warm — analyst

Fyodor Voitolovsky said that Russia will definitely not downgrade relations with the countries of the global South and East if Moscow’s relations with Washington improve

Press review: White House irritated with Zelensky’s behavior as India-Pakistan ties worsen

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 25th

Third round of indirect talks between US, Iran concludes in Oman — Iranian state TV

According to the Omani Foreign Ministry, the talks between the US and Iran will continue next week with another high-level meeting slated for May 3

Trump slams demands to return Crimea to Ukraine as ‘ridiculous’

US president commented on The New York Times article, in which the authors adhered to pro-Ukrainian rhetoric

Russian army putting serious pressure on Ukrainian troops new Loknya in Sumy region

Overall Russian troops "have slightly advanced" in this section of the frontline, Marochko added

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine contains provisions on potential response to West

"This doctrine is available to the public," Dmitry Peskov said

Brussels wants ‘toxic’ von der Leyen to resign — magazine

According to Die Weltwoche, the resignation of the European Commission chief could "unblock many processes" in the EU

Trump holds brief meeting with Ukraine’s Zelensky in Vatican — media

The funeral of Pope Francis has brought together 160 delegations, including more than 60 heads of state and governments and the EU leaders

Russian army conducting attacks in five directions at once in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Military expert Andrey Marochko told TASS that there is 'major combat clashes are underway'

Battlegroup West destroys 39 Ukrainian drone control posts, four Starlink stations

Artillery also units destroyed Ukrainian Akatsiya and Gvozdika howitzers, D-30 and M-56 guns, as well as 10 mortars

Ukrainian defense collapses along entire front line — aide to DPR head

Igor Kimakovsky also emphasized the symbolism of the liberation of the Kursk Region from the Ukrainian units on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War

When’s ‘our upcoming invasions, I’d like to plan my vacation’: Diplomat mocks US-UK media

According to the Politico newspaper, US President Joe Biden claimed that Russia could allegedly attack Ukraine on February 16

Death toll in blast in Iranian port climbs to eight, over 750 injured

"The rescue and law enforcement agencies are on site and we hope that the situation will be under complete control in a matter of hours," Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said

French general predicts Russia will be through with special military op by Christmas

The French military expert confidently stated that Russia will continue its operations not only until it fully liberates the four federal regions but may even advance as far as Odessa

Trump demands free passage through Panama, Suez Canals for US ships

US President said that 'those canals would not exist without the United States of America'

Direct impact of US tariffs on Russia is minimal — Central Bank chief

According to Elvira Nabiullina, Russian exports to the US are insignificant

Movie icon Oliver Stone, ex-CIA officer to take part in Russian educational marathon

The marathon, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, will be held on April 28-30

Pollster says 13% of Ukrainians plan to leave country within six months

Ukrainians usually choose to move to Germany or Poland

Battlegroup West destroys Starlink satellite station, 40 UAV control centers in 24 hours

The artillery units also destroyed four artillery weapons, including two Western-made, and ten mortar squads, Bigma added

Russia’s military chief reports on complete liberation of Kursk Region

The Kiev regime lost more than 76,000 troops in its incursion in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region, Valery Gerasimov said

High-level talks between US, Iran slated for May 3 — Omani foreign minister

"US Iran talks today identified a shared aspiration to reach agreement based on mutual respect and enduring commitments," Badr Albusaidi said

Trump says most points on Ukraine deal agreed to

According to the US president, sides need to meet "at very high levels"

Former UN Human Rights Council expert says Ukraine has no right to Crimea

Alfred-Maurice de Zayas noted that 'this Russian territory came in 1955 to Ukraine by decision of Khrushchev'

Ukrainian army loses up to 405 troops in responsibility area of Battlegroup Center

Alexander Savchuk said that battlegroup Center continues carrying out military tasks in the area of the special military operation

Russia hammers Ukrainian military airfields, ammo depots over past day

Russian air defense forces destroyed 236 Ukrainian UAVs and eight JDAM smart bombs over the past day, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Israeli army kills at least 40 Palestinians in Gaza over day — TV

Aid agencies are extremely concerned about the threat of a full-scale famine in the enclave amid the Israeli blockade, Al Jazeera emphasized

Houthis report delivering strikes on USS Harry Truman

US aircraft carrier was attacked in the northern part of the Red Sea

Monument to Big Three Allied leaders installed in Crimea

The huge statue is the work of the famous Georgian-born sculptor Zurab Tsereteli

Russian forces wipe out deployment site of elite Ukrainian UAV unit

The strike destroyed a large number of the Ukrainian army’s personnel together with special equipment and explosives, the defense source said

Trump says meeting with Zelensky in Rome 'possible'

Before leaving for Italy to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, the US president said that he would "meet with a lot of the foreign leaders"

Battlegroup Dnepr destroys up to 90 Ukrainian troops in 24 hours

Roman Kodryan said that Battlegroup Dnepr units inflicted damage on groups of a mechanized brigade and two coastal defense brigades of the Ukrainian army near Zaporozhye, Pavlovka, Novodanilovka, Ponyatovka, and Antonovka

Iran confirms acquisition of Russian Mi-28, Su-35, Yak-130 aircraft

The agency said the aircraft were already in Iran and accepted into service

Russian Foreign Ministry cites Kiev's link to killed Russian general

"If the investigation confirms that Ukraine is behind this, it will again demonstrate to the international community the barbaric and treacherous nature of the Kiev regime," Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

FACTBOX: Senior Russian military officer killed in explosion near Moscow

The person is Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy chief of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, the Russian Investigative Committee said

Zelensky remains obstacle to sustainable peace — Russian lawmaker

Leonid Slutsky called the liberation of the Kursk Region Russia's trump card in the negotiations

Key rate as 'prescription drug' to fight inflation — Central Bank

TASS has collected key statements of the Central Bank chief

Russia’s Battlegroup East destroys up to 175 Ukrainian troops, T-64 tank in 24 hours

The group inflicted damage on troops and equipment of groups of a mechanized and a jaeger brigades of Ukraine’s assault regime near Bogatyr, Volnoye Pole, Otradnoye, Malinovka, Zelyonoye Pole, Alekseyevka, Yablokovo, and Zelyony Kut, Gordeyev added

North Korean fighters helped in Kursk Region because of partnership treaty — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that it showed 'a manifestation of the high, truly allied level' of relations between Moscow and Pyongyang

Deteriorating situation along entire front, Ukrainian General Staff reports

The Ukrainian news outlet reported explosions in the Vinnitsa, Ivano-Frankovsk, Kiev, Odessa, Rovno, Sumy, Ternopol, Khmelnitsky, and Chernovtsy regions on Monday night

Zelensky seeks to deceive Trump, Russian diplomat says

Maria Zakharova also stressed that Zelensky 'is now also eliminating his own fellow citizens who live in the rest of Ukraine'